[Inscrutable]

I have 3 choices available to me:

Use/refurb my unused htpc
Convert my current desktop and replace for home/ofc use
Get new desktop

Are there minimum recommendations for mobo/processor, SATA vs ATA, etc?

My htpc has a 1.7ghz celeron, my desktop a 1.8ghz P4 ... not sure if either support SATA and RAID.  Think they both have about a 400mhz FSB.

This will be for audio duties only, feeding 2-ch rig and distributed squeezeboxes over wired network.  Planning on single HDD and external backup, but would like to add RAID as $ allow.  If you need more specific info ask away and I'll try to find out. Thanks!

[Den]

Maybe do ripping and compression on your P4 and then transfer the files to the Celeron pc.

The old Celeron pc is more than adequate for running SlimServer.  
You may need to get a bigger HD.  ATA is fine, but here'sd a good deal on SATA:
http://shop4.outpost.com/product/4303165
Seagate 300GB Serial ATA/150 8MB Buffer ST3300831AS-RK  
 $ 99.99  After Rebate

SlimServer FAQ

What are the minimum hardware requirements for the server computer?

We have users with single players using Pentium 166 PCs as servers with 64M of memory. We generally recommend a 300Mhz Pentium II with 128M of memory. You may also need a faster CPU if you wish to use multiple Squeezeboxes with a single server computer, or if the music library is very large. Any Macintosh capable of running OS X should be able to be a SlimServer.

http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_specs.html

System requirements:
All systems: 256MB RAM, ethernet or wireless network, and 20MB hard disk space
Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.3 or later
Windows: 733Mhz Pentium running Windows NT/2000/XP
Linux/BSD/Solaris/Other: Perl 5.8.3 or later

[Carlman]

I have 3 choices available to me:

Use/refurb my unused htpc
Convert my current desktop and replace for home/ofc use
Get new desktop

Are there minimum recommendations for mobo/processor, SATA vs ATA, etc?

My htpc has a 1.7ghz celeron, my desktop a 1.8ghz P4 ... not sure if either support SATA and RAID.  Think they both have about a 400mhz FSB.

This will be for audio duties only, feeding 2-ch rig and distributed squeezeboxes over wired network.  Planning on single HDD and external backup, but wo ...

I agree one should be used primarily for ripping if it's not in use now... Once it gets put at the bottom of an audio rack, it isn't so easy to rip large numbers of cd's.

Also, which PC is the quietest?  That would be the one I'd choose to go in the main rig.  

If it were me, I'd build new but use some of your existing parts.  The only reason for that would be to get a really nice (clean/quiet) power supply and quiet/cool case and have a digital out from the mobo.... That way you don't need a soundcard at all.  (I'm assuming you're using a DAC)  If you want great analog out, you'll need a soundcard that costs as much as a DAC.

I've been thinking of doing this myself but my current rig sounds pretty good to me so it's not really worth the trouble (yet).

-C

[avta]

I've been using an external usb 200gig HD with a notebook running a Centrino 1.5. I like the setup because I can easily move the drive to another computer if problems arise or if I want to change locations. there is some noise but it's lost in the sound of the music. The cost was reasonable and the setup took minutes.

Guy

[sheadlee]

Tim,

I'm kinda/sorta in the process of building a new PC based audio server, too. Carl's started my creative juices flowing...so I am accumulating pieces and parts, now.

I don't think I'm going to go the SB route, but I can't rule that out. My plan is to build a fairly 'high-end' system...in hopes that it can either compete with or best my Linn Ikemi. Plus, I think it's really neat to have such instant access to a large library of music...stored on the hard drive(s).

I would be happy to keep you updated...either once I get it assembled, or as I am doing so...or give you a list of the components that I am gathering. Also, once I get it together...I'd could bring it over your way and we could 'play' with it.

Good luck in your similar endeavor!

[Inscrutable]

Thanks guys.  Actually, when I built the htpc I picked parts to make it cool and quiet .. big 120 mm shock mounted fan, rubber mounts on the hard drive, celeron since it's fast enough for just dvd playback and runs cooler, requiring lower fan speeds, etc.  And I can put the case hidden away and isolated from view and earshot.  I'm leaning toward modding that one.

Steve, yes I am planning to use a DAC in the main rig, and the squeezeboxes in the casual listening rooms.

Den, thanks for the drive link.  I'd found a 250 gb Maxtor for 79.99, but it was only ATA.  I have a Seagate Barracuda in the htpc and it's been quiet and reliable.

If it were me, I'd build new but use some of your existing parts

Carl, it might BE you if I run into too much trouble  

[agentsmith]

I am serioulsy considering the new Mac Mini especially the core dual version.  It fulfils the requirement for wife aceptance factor, small form factor, quiet, reliable, ability to connect to a modern TV.

The only thing is that it needs an external drive to increase storage.  But the Lacie/Iomega drives integrates with the Mini prefectly.

[Inscrutable]

I don't think I'm going to go the SB route, but I can't rule that out. My plan is to build a fairly 'high-end' system...in hopes that it can either compete with or best my Linn Ikemi. Plus, I think it's really neat to have such instant access to a large library of music...stored on the hard drive(s).

Steve,
Yeah, that is my plan too.  I started lusting after a friends Cary 303, but after hearing a pc first at Shane's and then at Carl's, have pretty much decided I can live with that level of quality at a small fraction of the price ... and get the awesome utility and convenience to boot (no pun).  The SB's are for casual listening areas like the living room and bedroom.

But speaking of convenience, I did get a bit frustrated with my HTPC and CRT combo, and the glitchy/tweaky nature of both.  I really don't have the patience for that anymore, and I have ot make this as stable and user-friendly as I can, or someone is going to get a really good deal on a resale.

I did hear the Roku at the aforementioned friend's house, playing thru a Benchmark DAC, and there was precious little difference between that and the Cary.  And the Benchmark has a pretty nice headphone output (2 actually) also.

I'd love to follow your progress, and I travel a lot so I would be happy to invite myself over sometime to see how you're doing.